Eleanor Reid Easter

Eleanor Reid Easter, age 84 of Roanoke and formerly of Rocky Mount passed away Sunday, April 30, 2017 at her home with family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charles; son, E.B. (Scott Mallan); daughter, Kimberly; two grandchildren, John David and Laura. Also surviving are two nieces; three nephews; 10 great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Sue (Robinson) Reid; an infant brother; two sisters, Beverly Sowder (Donald) and Suzanne Ragland; one nephew, Brent Hughes. Eleanor was born and raised in Rocky Mount, VA. She was among the members of the last graduating class of Rocky Mount High School in 1950. Eleanor attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA before returning to Rocky Mount to marry Charles in 1952. While Eleanor valued a good day’s work, she always valued family and friends first. A successful businesswoman, she co-owned Martin Jewelry Inc. with Charles for over 35 years. Eleanor and Charles - who joined his father-in-law in the business shortly after their marriage – took over proprietorship when her father retired. Martin Jewelry was as fixture in downtown Rocky Mount for nearly a century before finally closing in 1995. In the 1970’s, Eleanor combined her business skills and fashion sense by venturing into the clothing business as one of the principals of The Village Fashions Inc. Eleanor became the sole proprietor in 1975 and ran the business until the mid 1980’s, when she had the opportunity to sell the business and “retire.” After her retirement, Eleanor and Charles moved to Smith Mountain Lake where they maintained a residence for 14 years. They enjoyed their time at the lake meeting new friends while maintaining life-long friendships with other Franklin County natives. She spent her leisure time playing bridge (a past time she maintained until her death), golf (as long as her body would allow), traveling, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and entertaining - always welcoming people into her home. Eleanor also volunteered at the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop in Roanoke. As usual, she developed new and close relationships with many of her fellow volunteers. Later, Eleanor and Charles moved to Roanoke. They lived in the southwest part of the city until they took up residence in the Brandon Oaks Retirement Community in 2013. It did not take long for her become part of the community, once again maintaining old friendships while creating new, cherished ones. She regularly played bridge and volunteered for the Brandon Oaks Ladies Auxiliary. Eleanor was a life-long member of the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church. She regularly attended service until she could no longer drive. She was an active member who freely donated her time to the church that meant so much to her. In lieu of flowers, Eleanor requested memorial donations be made to the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 35 N Main St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 or the Brandon Oaks Endowment Fund. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church with Rev. Bruce D. Tuttle officiating. Inurnment will be private at Mountain View Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.